Tech can transform the world—but only if it works for children

[ResidentialBusiness]

Global leaders recently gathered at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, under the theme of “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” What exactly is the “Intelligent Age” and, more importantly, how can we ensure that everyone can participate in this new age? WEF defines the Intelligent Age as a transition away from the Industrial Age to a new phase of human civilization. It’s a clear and compelling definition. But what is much less clear is the conversation about the importance of equity and how to approach it.  

There are many ways leaders can consider equity as they build and adopt AI and other frontier technologies: clear global policies, reaching new markets, financial incentives and disincentives, and the moral imperative. At UNICEF USA, we believe that the relatively simple ingredients of collaboration and information can drive better solutions for everyone in Intelligent Age.   

Deepening collaboration across business, government, and civil society can usher in more equitable approaches. The benefits of this type of collaboration will reach a wider range of people and create a more powerful and sustainable Fourth Industrial Revolution. Here are several ways that UNICEF is approaching these collaborations. 

Responsible tech development

Companies play an essential role in responsible innovation. And many are already successfully embracing that role. For example, UNICEF cofounded the Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) project with the LEGO Group, supported by the LEGO Foundation.

RITEC aims to make child rights and well-being a primary consideration in the design and development of digital technology. The project is delivered in partnership with university and child-focused organizations such as the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, the University of Sheffield, and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.

We need to include children’s views on decisions that directly affect them; children disproportionately face opportunities and risks from emerging technologies. Think about it: Companies that cater to children and families need to consider their users. We know that consumers are paying attention as safety and inclusivity matter to them: 78% of consumers and 86% of teens believe digital experiences have a positive impact on their lives, but 64% said they would consider switching technology providers if an incident breached their trust.  

As part of the RITEC project, there is a free toolbox for the gaming industry to advise them on how to design digital play experiences with children’s well-being in mind. The toolbox builds on research with children in 18 countries and collaboration with designers from 35 online gaming companies of different sizes, and from 15 countries.

Job-relevant skills

Many of today’s youth are not able to keep up with skills, hindering social and economic progress. Passport to Earning, a global program developed by UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, includes support from cross-sector partners and founding members including consulting companies like Accenture and PwC, but also government and philanthropic organizations including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Al Ghurair Foundation (supporting Arab and Emirati youth.

The program runs on Microsoft’s Community Training, a cloud-based learning platform, so young people aged 15-24 can access content local to their communities, even in low-bandwidth areas. The next phase will partially focus on integrating an AI-skills curriculum onto the program’s offerings, to help ensure young people have the right skills to thrive in an AI-powered economy. 

It sounds simple but this is revolutionary because it means that young people—even those who are not in school, in any type of skills training programs, or can’t always access the internet—can still gain free and relevant skills that will position them for quality jobs. By 2027, Passport to Earning aims to train and certify 8 million youth in AI and digital skilling.

AI has the potential to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and be a driver in finding new and innovative solutions to issues that have long prevented children from equitable access to resources. 

Other initiatives

In education, we are working with philanthropic and finance partners to convene disability and AI experts to fast-track accessible digital textbooks development, bridging barriers to learning by including sign language, narration, interactivity, and translation for people with disabilities. 

We and our partners also work hard to make sure that technology’s benefits of don’t come at the expense of human rights, like privacy and equality. Sharing best practices on how to empower and protect children is critical to preventing harm today that would have life-long negative impacts.  

There is not only a responsibility for companies to ensure their policies and products respect children’s rights, but there also is an opportunity for more innovative collaboration between the private and public sectors. As the world navigates quickly evolving technologies, I encourage companies to collaborate with the public sector and civil society to ensure equity. At the same time, open the door to opportunities that foster innovation and collaboration, enhancing a competitive edge through global workforce development, and improving children’s lives and their futures.  

Michele Walsh is executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer of UNICEF USA. 

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